Speech Technician

Description

Most people take speaking for granted. For most people speaking is as natural as breathing, it is something they just do. However, there are people for whom speaking is difficult and they need the help of professionals such as speech technicians to help them learn to speak properly. Speech technicians, work directly under the supervision of a licensed speech therapist to help individuals overcome and prevent communication problems in language, speech, voice, and fluency. These difficulties may be caused by accidents, genetic disorders such as cleft palate, or by delayed development.

Someone who has recently suffered a stroke or major trauma may have lost the ability to speak. People with stutters, lisps, slurs and learning disabilities often see speech therapists and technicians, as well as those with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or swallowing disorders. A speech technician is trained to assist these people overcome speech disorders through various therapeutic methods. They are responsible for organizing and implementing a therapy program designed by a speech-language pathologist to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people. It is important to distinguish, however, that they are not qualified to diagnose conditions or prescribe treatments, like their supervisors.

Treatments for developmental or medical conditions may involve a variety of activities, and depends upon special individual needs. Sign language and automated devices are two of the many methods they employ. Other methods include books, pictures, toys, sound analyzers or multimedia computer programs.

Some speech technicians work with people who have heavy accents, who are trying to adapt to a new society or country. There are also a few who work with actors, singers and broadcasters to work on accentuation, enunciation and proper pronunciation. Speech technicians may also specialize in working with people who have a particular type of disorder (e.g. stuttering), or in working with a particular age group (e.g. pre-schoolers). They always work under supervision and provide any type of assistance where possible.

While speech technicians help people of all ages, the pre-school years are the most critical for speech and language development. Many people flock to this career not only because of the direct patient care, but because they get to work with children. Therefore, if helping children is something that interests you, than this could be an excellent way to help kids learn how to speak properly.

Speech technicians must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with patience and sensitivity to their patient's needs. They must have good concentration skills and be able to pay close attention to details. They are trained in assisting therapists of hearing disabilities therefore they enjoy employing and teaching ear-damage prevention methods. Finally, they enjoy working in a team environment and helping families and individuals improve their speech.

Typical Tasks

Perform hearing and speech support functions to provide care, treatment and training for primarily the mentally ill and patients with communication disabilities

Assist in development of program materials and techniques for carrying out speech, language and hearing therapy

Speech technicians generally work about eight hours per day. Those working in private practices generally tend to have more flexibility in their schedules, however may also work evenings and weekends to accommodate their patients' schedules. In clinics, they work in offices and treatment rooms. Technicians work on a contract basis may be required to travel between the various locations they work, such as day care centers, hospitals, and schools.

Workplaces, Employers and Industries

Speech technicians work in speech pathology and audiology private practices, hospitals, schools, and community care centers. They are also employed in universities and government agencies, or in an administrative role in speech and hearing programs.

Long Term Career Potential

What does the future hold for speech technicians? Those who work in larger practices or hospitals can move into supervisory or management positions with experience. Otherwise, with additional training and education, they can become speech therapists or language pathologists. Speech technicians may also decide to switch to other types of therapy assistant positions such as music therapy or alternative rehabilitation practices.

Educational Paths

The majority of speech technicians have a bachelor's degree in linguistics, speech therapy or a related field. Otherwise, speech technicians may attend a speech technician program at a community college and learn through hands-on training. It is also a good idea for individuals to volunteer at a hospital or clinic to see if this is the type of work that they will like doing for their career. They may also choose to take a sign language course in school as many patients they will work with are deaf. Speech technicians will both teach sign language to children and communicate with patients using the hands.

Northcentral University was founded in 1996 to provide working professionals around the world with unprecedented access to richly engaging, professionally relevant, and academically-rigorous education from a U.S. university.

American University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the United States and nearly 140 countries. Located in Washington, D.C., the university provides opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation’s capital and around the world.

Programs Offered:

Master of Science in Human Resource Analytics and Management

The University of Scranton

The University of Scranton has grounded its education in Catholic and Jesuit principles based on intellectual growth and integrity, all of which shape the online master’s and certificate programs. You can choose one of five degree programs from a selective institution ranked among the top 10 master’s universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report.